Art for All

Rachel Cartwright studied art and sociology, graduating from San Jose State University after attending Cabrillo College. But Cartwright started her art education far before college.

Since she was 8 years old, Cartwright, now 38, has been taking art classes through a program called KidsArt, also known as Drawn2Art in some of the company’s locations. By the time Cartwright turned 14, she started apprenticing with the company and then was hired two years later.

In 1995, Cartwright moved north but continued to work for KidsArt while going to college. She taught after school and weekend classes. Her goal was to have her own studio by the time she was 30. And, she did.

After doing her research and exploring potential studios, Cartwright settled on a space in Scotts Valley because of the close sense of community abundant in the town.

“I had spent a lot of time in Scotts Valley with family and thought it was a wonderful community. I like that it is a close-knit community. Families are very connected,” Cartwright said.

That connected community kept Cartwright in business during the economic downturn. She said that business stabilized after the initial turbulence subsided. 

Drawn2Art, at 218 D Mount Hermon Rd., offers classes for kids and adults who want to develop art skills. But, existing art talent is not a prerequisite according to Cartwright.

“You don’t have to be born with inherent talent,” she said. “If you have a desire and you want to learn to draw or paint, we can teach you. It’s individualized, so anyone can learn. As long as you can draw shapes and listen to instruction and you want to learn to draw, we can teach you. It’s very much teaching people to see. Everything is made of shapes and we’re teaching you to learn to see those shapes, break them down and fit them back together.”

Cartwright said that the method taught at Drawn2Art is the same method used by master painters and drawers. Keeping the process fun and free of frustration is important to helping students develop their skills.

“We simplify the process. With young children, they will work on pictures that have larger shapes. They’re really using basic shapes. Adding detail makes it more complicated. Curves, angles, details, coloring,” Cartwright added.

Children, teens and even grandparents find Drawn2Art a safe place to mix colors and create. And, all supplies used are non-toxic.

“We have a lot of children and teens,” Cartwright said. “We have a lot of older adults, grandmothers and mothers coming in with their children and taking classes.”

In a time when art has disappeared from the curriculum of many schools, programs like Drawn2Art are good for families who recognize the importance of creativity.

Drawn2Art has a series of summer workshops, including clay sculpture and anime. For those new to the studio, Cartwright offers one free introductory class. Reservations are required to ensure adequate space is available.